Belfry of Ghent, Gothic bell tower in Ghent, Belgium
The Belfry of Ghent is a stone tower in the city center that rises 95 meters high and is topped with a golden dragon statue. Its walls display intricate Gothic ornamentation, and inside it houses large bells that produce music through a carillon mechanism.
Construction began in 1313 and stretched across several decades, interrupted by wars and outbreaks of plague before completion. During this period, the structure evolved into a key symbol of municipal power and prosperity.
The tower has been woven into the city's identity for centuries, with its bells marking important moments in the lives of residents. The regular carillon performances create a living link between past and present, and the sight of it dominates how people orient themselves in the old city.
An elevator takes visitors from the ground floor to the observation deck, where the city spreads out below. Visiting outside of peak hours generally allows you to move more comfortably and enjoy the views.
Next to the main tower stands the Mammelokker building from 1741, which displays a stone relief telling an ancient story. This unexpected artistic addition gives the ensemble an extra layer of meaning and curiosity for those who notice it.
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Bell towers stand across Europe as physical records of how different regions and times have built and celebrated their communities. Each tower tells a story through its own style: the Mudéjar Tower in Utebo shows Spanish influences, the Belfort of Ghent rises as a symbol of civic pride in Belgium,...
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